'RIOTS & LOOTERS': Trump deploys 2000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles
President Donald Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid escalating clashes between federal agents and demonstrators protesting recent immigration raids. The White House blamed "feckless" Democratic leadership for failing to maintain order, while local officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom, condemned Trump's decision as inflammatory and divisive. The raids and subsequent protests have heightened tensions, with confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators involving tear gas and pepper spray, prompting warnings of further military involvement if unrest continues.

WIO News

FBI prevents planned explosive attack and mass shooting at shopping mall

Authorities prevented a potentially devastating attack at the Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Washington, arresting a teenager who had detailed plans for an explosive assault and mass shooting. The FBI discovered the plot after the teen posted about using a chlorine bomb and firearms to incite panic and cause harm, with intentions of ultimately killing himself. The swift action by federal agents and local deputies led to the seizure of weapons and ammunition, earning gratitude from residents for averting what officials described as an imminent tragedy.

WMTV 15

AI Surveillance Won’t Stop Theft, but It Might Stop Unions

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the retail industry's approach to theft prevention, employing surveillance systems and predictive analytics to monitor both shoppers and employees. Despite the industry's enthusiasm and heavy investment, critics argue that AI-driven surveillance technologies are often unreliable, contribute to worker exploitation, and could threaten legally protected rights like union organizing. As AI-based monitoring intensifies, there's growing concern among employees, unions, and policymakers who advocate for regulatory safeguards to ensure innovation doesn't come at the cost of worker safety, privacy, or civil liberties.

The American Prospect

Ransomware as a Service: The Billion-Dollar Threat Hiding in Plain Sight

Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) has transformed cybercrime into a scalable business model, enabling even low-skilled actors to launch sophisticated attacks using pre-built ransomware kits. The ecosystem now mirrors legitimate SaaS operations with developers, affiliates, negotiators, and support teams, driving a surge in industrial-scale attacks that target critical systems and entire enterprises. As AI further amplifies the speed and sophistication of these threats, organizations must adopt layered defenses, prioritize continuous employee education, and shift from reactive to proactive cybersecurity strategies to stay ahead of this evolving danger.

Security Info Watch

Amazon and US rivals navigate volatile tariff landscape

Amazon Prime Day 2025 is approaching amid uncertainty surrounding U.S.-China trade policies, with fluctuating tariffs forcing retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target to adjust supply chains and pricing strategies. Although tariffs on Chinese imports were recently reduced from 145% to 30%, many brands remain cautious, especially those reliant on Chinese manufacturing, as they prepare for one of the year’s largest online shopping events. While Amazon stock rebounded after the tariff rollback and Prime Day participation is expected to rise, the broader retail sector still faces challenges from lingering trade tensions, inflation, and potential future tariff changes pending court rulings.

Retail Insight Network

Supply Chain Theft vs. Goodfellas Heist

Chris DeSantis

Sr. Director, Investigations, Fraud Strategy & Supply Chain

Macy's

Senior Director of Investigations, Fraud Strategy and Supply Chain Asset Protection at Macy’s, Chris DeSantis joins TalkLP host Amber Bradley to dive into the hot topic of Supply Chain! (although Chris is over a number of things – this is the thing they could get to! Don’t worry we’ll have him back).

They talk cargo theft’s biggest challenge (sheer size of the network) and the opportunities for theft in the broad and complex structure. It’s not just organized crime groups with false documentation and a plan, but many opportunists that get in on the action. Chris and Amber discuss why these types of thefts are becoming more significant and what are the solutions! 

Check out this in-depth discussion of the Supply Chain problem and what’s being done to combat it! Connect with Chris here.

Check out TalkLPnews at NRF PROTECT booth 1716 – we’ll be doing LIVE podcasts! Come by to say hello and see what’s new on the UNSCRIPTED side of LP!

Do you have Industry Buzz? Let us know here.

The Knockoff Conundrum: Faux Fashion or Legal Faux Pas?

Knockoffs have stormed the fashion scene, causing a stir across social media and online marketplaces like an uninvited guest at a high-society gala.

These sneaky style chameleons give you the luxury look without the luxury price tag, sparking endless debates on whether they’re fashion-forward genius or outright fraud.

But what are they? Are they the same as counterfeits and dupes? (Spoiler alert – they are not!) Let’s unravel the mystery.

Retail Touch Points

10 trends in retail technology

A new Coresight Research report identifies 10 emerging technologies that will shape the retail market this year, including edge computing, computer vision, AI-driven personalization, and advanced demand forecasting.

Retailers are leveraging generative AI to break down data silos, automate tasks with agentic AI, and enhance both customer experiences and operational efficiency.

DC Velocity

Is it possible to sink online scammers?

Marketplace

Safe and Open: Rethinking Retail Loss Prevention Without Compromising the Experience 

Retail shrink is rising—and so is shopper frustration. Retailers are under pressure to secure their stores without turning them into high-friction spaces. In our newest article, we discuss how Purchek® technology and FaceFirst work together to prevent theft without blocking access to products or harming the customer experience.

From cart-based theft prevention to real-time offender alerts, these smart, discreet technologies offer proactive protection while supporting safer, more efficient operations.

Explore how you can move beyond locked cases and toward a future that’s both secure and shopper-friendly.

📍 Join us at NRF PROTECT 2025 to explore how we’re reshaping retail safety.

🗓️ June 23–25 | Booth 622 (Gatekeeper Systems) & Booth 308 (FaceFirst)

Two employees stabbed during attempted shoplifting at gas station

Two employees were stabbed during a confrontation with a theft suspect at a Shell gas station in Mountlake Terrace on Friday afternoon, according to police.

Officers responded around 2 p.m. to the station after receiving reports of a stabbing.

Investigators said the incident began when employees confronted a person suspected of trying to steal from the store.

KIRO 7

Several factors contributing to the decline of traditional shopping malls

The Walden Galleria first opened in 1989 and has been serving the shopping, dining and entertainment community for more than 35 years.

It also employees more than a thousand people and generates substantial sales tax revenue. 

"There's a lot of good going for it, despite the debt situation," said Cheektowaga Town Supervisor Brian Nowak.

Spectrum News

Scammers pulling double-whammy credit card schemes

Like the old saying goes: fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

And that’s exactly what some scammers are trying to do with fake websites designed to steal not one but at least two of your credit cards.

Not only is A.I. making it easier for criminals to make websites that look like legitimate shopping sites, according to Scamicide, it’s making it easier for them to get even greedier.

CBS News

Manager, Field Loss Prevention - Staples

The Loss Prevention team is a key strategic pillar within Staples US Retail organization and our people are the heart of our success. We believe in collaboration, curiosity and continuous learning in all that we think, create and do. We are investing in our people and our stores, empowering our people to learn, grow and deliver. Come be a part of a team that's leading the way in a new era of working and living.

The Field Loss Prevention Manager (FLPM) coordinates Loss Prevention and Safety related programs intended to protect Staples assets and ensure a safe environment for associates and customers within Staples US Retail locations. FLPM’s support the Field and are relied on as a subject matter expert in operations, audit, training and investigation.

One Day Without Safety: A Wake-Up Call for Every Workplace

Imagine walking into work one morning and discovering that every safety rule is off the table!

No helmets, no warning signs, no protective gear, and no guidelines. For one day, it’s all gone. At first, some might think the day feels faster, less strict, even free. But that feeling would not last long.

Without safety in place, risks grow fast. Accidents become more likely, confusion spreads, and workers may hesitate before even starting a task.

This thought experiment is not just about imagining chaos!

it’s about understanding how deeply safety rules protect not just bodies, but peace of mind.

One unsafe day is enough to show just how much those rules really matter.

OH&S

Get ready for an ‘above-normal’ hurricane season, NOAA says

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting higher-than-average hurricane activity this year in the Atlantic basin, with as many as five storms potentially becoming major hurricanes.

The forecast of a 60% chance of an “above-normal” Atlantic hurricane season includes:

13 to 19 named storms (39 mph winds or higher)
Six to 10 hurricanes (74 mph winds or higher)
Three to five major hurricanes (111 mph winds or higher).

The agency is giving only a 10% chance for a below-normal hurricane season.

The Atlantic hurricane season started June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. An average season sees 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. 

Safety+Health

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